Xreas Suspension Or Bilsteins???

[Mike Beyers]

5100s

I have an '03 SR5, thus no XREAS, I would like to just install the 5100s if that is possible with the stock springs. So, can it be done? Will I get a bit of leveling from the adjustability?

Thanks!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

So I have a question:

Could I purchase the 5100 or HD's and keep the original springs installed with my leaking xreas system?

Yes. I recommend the 5100's over the HD's.

I have an '03 SR5, thus no XREAS, I would like to just install the 5100s if that is possible with the stock springs. So, can it be done? Will I get a bit of leveling from the adjustability?

Thanks!

Yes. The fronts are adjustable, you can set them to 0", .85", 1.75", or 2.5" lift. The rears are not adjustable, you'd need new coils or a spacer to lift the rear.

As far as I know the coils are the same for XREAS and non-XREAS shocks, the only difference is between 2wd and 4wd models. The 5100's are designed to work with stock coils, but can also be used with aftermarket ones.

Check out this thread for more info, maybe it'll help.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

 

[Techsan]

Ditched XREAS for KYB

Just got my 03 Sport back from the shop...I had them rip out the XREAS and install KYB GR2 shocks & struts since my XREAS was leaking. I'm glad I did because the ride has improved quite a bit. I'm also happy with the price compared to going with the XREAS.

The shocks & struts were $180 (from Amazon w/$30 rebate)
Labor was $360...all in all happy out the door for $540.

 

[amec2ldo]

Just got my 03 Sport back from the shop...I had them rip out the XREAS and install KYB GR2 shocks & struts since my XREAS was leaking.

Thanks Techsan and others. This gives me hope. Both fronts on my wife's '04 Sport failed inspection for leaks, which means replacing the entire XREAS system, or converting to a conventional system. I'm definitely going the conventional route.

This vehicle is used strictly ON road, so I don't need a lift or anything else - just a smooth, quiet, new ride. After reading many threads, I'm still unclear regarding exactly what is required. I understand disconnecting and capping/removing XREAS lines. I understand the top choices are Bilstein or KYB. What I don't understand is compatibility with existing parts. Am I required to replace springs too? Or do I simply install new shocks as I would on any non-XREAS vehicle? I see many posts that reference FJ springs. Are they necessary for a stock conversion, or are they only required if you wish to modify the suspension for off-road?

Thanks in advance for the helpful advice!

 

[Neumonic]

I could be missing something here but what about buying brand new FJ springs from an auto parts store and using them with the B 5100's?

I found Moog springs for $36 for the front and $60 for the rears, those prices are per pair. Are the FJ Springs taller than factory? Just trying to help out the thread..

 

[HHIRunner]

I could be missing something here but what about buying brand new FJ springs from an auto parts store and using them with the B 5100's?

I found Moog springs for $36 for the front and $60 for the rears, those prices are per pair. Are the FJ Springs taller than factory? Just trying to help out the thread..

I was actually going to ask the same question about buying new moot FJ springs. I know that used FJ springs will usually lift our 4runners by 1/2" up front and 1/4" rear with 4WD and slighlty more for 2WD so I would say yes they are taller than OEM 4Runner springs. And for the last question about the 5100s I believe you can use them with factory springs, just have the lift setting at 0" to retain the factory height and rake.

If any of the T4R Gods would like to confirm that info it would be great

 

[cmaj91]

I'm in the same situation

Thanks Techsan and others. This gives me hope. Both fronts on my wife's '04 Sport failed inspection for leaks, which means replacing the entire XREAS system, or converting to a conventional system. I'm definitely going the conventional route.

This vehicle is used strictly ON road, so I don't need a lift or anything else - just a smooth, quiet, new ride. After reading many threads, I'm still unclear regarding exactly what is required. I understand disconnecting and capping/removing XREAS lines. I understand the top choices are Bilstein or KYB. What I don't understand is compatibility with existing parts. Am I required to replace springs too? Or do I simply install new shocks as I would on any non-XREAS vehicle? I see many posts that reference FJ springs. Are they necessary for a stock conversion, or are they only required if you wish to modify the suspension for off-road?

Thanks in advance for the helpful advice!

Agree - just want to replace my failing XREAS with a high quality setup without any lift or new springs. I am leaning towards the Bilstein HD's.

Have you replaced your shocks yet? If so,what product did you go with and how does the handling and ride compare to XREAS? If not, have you made a decision yet.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Techsan]

Thanks Techsan and others. This gives me hope. Both fronts on my wife's '04 Sport failed inspection for leaks, which means replacing the entire XREAS system, or converting to a conventional system. I'm definitely going the conventional route.

This vehicle is used strictly ON road, so I don't need a lift or anything else - just a smooth, quiet, new ride. After reading many threads, I'm still unclear regarding exactly what is required. I understand disconnecting and capping/removing XREAS lines. I understand the top choices are Bilstein or KYB. What I don't understand is compatibility with existing parts. Am I required to replace springs too? Or do I simply install new shocks as I would on any non-XREAS vehicle? I see many posts that reference FJ springs. Are they necessary for a stock conversion, or are they only required if you wish to modify the suspension for off-road?

Thanks in advance for the helpful advice!

Replacing springs is not required. I drive mine on the road 99% of the time, and didn't wan a lift either...just something comparable to the stock XREAS. Simply buy the shocks online & install, or bring to a shop for installation. It's really that simple. Best of luck. Let us know what you went with.

 

[claydoctor]

I'm in a similar boat. 2006 Sport with X-Reas and 179,000 miles. Noticing bouncing on irregular portions of roadway at highway speeds. Probably going with Bilsteins but how do I know if I need shocks AND springs or if I can get by with just shocks. If I replace shocks do I use Sport shocks or SR-5 shocks? How much to adding springs add to labor vs shocks alone. I am not an off-roader so I'm guessing FJ springs would offer me no advantage over 4-Runner shocks.

 

[cmaj91]

'

I'm in a similar boat. 2006 Sport with X-Reas and 179,000 miles. Noticing bouncing on irregular portions of roadway at highway speeds. Probably going with Bilsteins but how do I know if I need shocks AND springs or if I can get by with just shocks. If I replace shocks do I use Sport shocks or SR-5 shocks? How much to adding springs add to labor vs shocks alone. I am not an off-roader so I'm guessing FJ springs would offer me no advantage over 4-Runner shocks.

I replaced the XRREAS shocks with Bilstein HDs on my '03 Sport on Friday. I only have 56k miles on this vehicle and the Bilsteins completely restored the ride. My front two had signs of hydraulic fluid leak and my rear passenger shock had a blown seal. I am not an off road enthusiast and have driven mainly highway miles.

My mechanic removed each of the shocks but did not disconnect the lines at the shock themselves. Instead, the lines stayed attached to each shock and were disconnected at the 1st connection about a foot away from each shock. The disconnection was made at each 22 mm fastener - these are check valves and prevent fluid loss from the remaining lines and center absorber units. He also capped off the open ends with male and female caps (male caps front / female rear)

At 179k miles, you may want to replace the stock springs and any other worn/loose bushings if necessary.

In general, the Bilstein HD's with my stock springs restored my Sport Edition's ride to the day I drove it off the lot, and maybe better than the original XREAS set up.

The former Toyota techs at Shock Warehouse recommend the Bilstein HDs for a good reason where XREAS is used.

 

[claydoctor]

My mechanic removed each of the shocks but did not disconnect the lines at the shock themselves. Instead, the lines stayed attached to each shock and were disconnected at the 1st connection about a foot away from each shock. The disconnection was made at each 22 mm fastener - these are check valves and prevent fluid loss from the remaining lines and center absorber units. He also capped off the open ends with male and female caps (male caps front / female rear)

Was this done in case you ever wanted to re-install XREAS or because it is easier than just removing the lines along with the shocks ?

 

[cmaj91]

Was this done in case you ever wanted to re-install XREAS or because it is easier than just removing the lines along with the shocks ?

Did this for several reasons:

1. Admittingly, I really could not be 100% sure what to expect if I replaced the XREAS shocks with another solution, despite all the positive info received from various message boards, Shock Warehouse, and even directly from Bilstein. Therefore, I at least wanted to keep the last ditch option of being able to reinstall 4 new XREAS shocks.

2. Regardless of whatever option I chose, I wanted to keep the vehicle as original as possible.

3. Removing all of the other hardware (center absorbers and tubing) would have required additional labor with no real benefit.

Now that the Bilsteins HDs are on, I am thoroughly pleased with the much better ride and handling. There was no real drawback to having kept the bulk of the XREAS components intact.

 

[WXman]

I just disconnected my XREAS at the point that the soft lines meet the hard lines near each shock. Soaked up the spilled oil with oil-dry and left the hard lines and everything else intact. Installed Bilsteins up front/Monroe Reflex in the rear. Ride quality is much much better now. Feels like a truck finally...but still is plush on the pavement.

 

[claydoctor]

I could be missing something here but what about buying brand new FJ springs from an auto parts store and using them with the B 5100's?

I found Moog springs for $36 for the front and $60 for the rears, those prices are per pair. Are the FJ Springs taller than factory? Just trying to help out the thread..

Mind if I ask where you got those prices ? They are about half what I am seeing on the net . Are you sure they aren't prices for individual springs ?

 

[twelve1]

My brother has an 07 with xreas. I helped him remove them and installed Icon stage 2 system. Its way more responsive. Or get Kings .

 

[Neumonic]

Mind if I ask where you got those prices ? They are about half what I am seeing on the net . Are you sure they aren't prices for individual springs ?

I suppose the pricing could be per spring if you are seeing that big of a difference. Rock Auto dot com is the site, it gives the prices I quoted and states the springs are sold in pairs.

 

[JPierce]

Okay all so in reading this thread it seems the consensus is to replace the XREAS system instead of trying to repair it.

so question is this.. 2003 4Runner, Sport Edition, 73k on it... I want it to remain stock height.. what should I buy in terms of shocks/struts, etc. to keep it at stock height and get a nice smooth ride. I don't offroad, just drive on pavement, daily use.

thanks!

 

[claydoctor]

After absorbing all of this , I have just about decided most economical way to go about this is un-hook and cap off the XREAS system , go online to one of the discount Toyota parts stores and order factory springs and shocks for the 2006 SR-5 .
My driving is all on road and mostly highway . I see no benefit to Bilsteins, FJ springs , etc . Am I missing something ?

 

[Neumonic]

I am about to sell my Corvette, after doing so I will be forced to do some upgrades to my 4 Runner as I can't leave anything I own alone. The first order of business, tackle the suspension on my 4 Runner as I have 2 leaking shocks. I am going to buy new FJ springs and the 5100 Bilsteins, plan on completely remove my XREAS system as I have no reason to retain any of the hardware moving forward. When I get around to doing this swap I will post all the info after putting some miles on the new setup in hopes of helping others.

 

[claydoctor]

I am about to sell my Corvette, after doing so I will be forced to do some upgrades to my 4 Runner as I can't leave anything I own alone. The first order of business, tackle the suspension on my 4 Runner as I have 2 leaking shocks. I am going to buy new FJ springs and the 5100 Bilsteins, plan on completely remove my XREAS system as I have no reason to retain any of the hardware moving forward. When I get around to doing this swap I will post all the info after putting some miles on the new setup in hopes of helping others.

Why FJ springs rather than 4-Runner springs ?